58 



single basket of celery presented by Levi D. Cowles, saved 

 the show from utter failure in this delicious vegetable. 



In conclusion, we would urge upon our brother farmers 

 the importance of cultivating root crops more largely. 

 The space we have already occupied forbids our entering 

 more at length upon this subject now; but we firmly be- 

 lieve our system of husbandry will never be complete un- 

 til it embraces the liberal culture of these as one of its 

 fundamental principles. 



T. G. HUNTINGTON. 



REPORT ON NEAT CATTLE. 



Many of the societies in the State, had no exhibition of 

 cattle at their fairs this year, on account of the disease 

 which had prevailed in Worcester County, and of which 

 some had died elsewhere. It was no doubt in part owing 

 to the fear which some had of bringing their cattle in con- 

 tact with other herds, that made the exhibition in this 

 department less than in former years. The average qual- 

 ity was better, and the proportion of blood animals much 

 larger. The Executive Committee, with the view of en- 

 couraging the raising of thorough-bred stock, gave the 

 preference, in offering premiums, to such. We think this 

 is a step in the right direction, for, from our own observa- 

 tion, we have not been able to see much improvement in 

 stock at our fairs. 



How few of our members are taking any decided steps 

 towards improving their herds by skillful breeding. The 

 farmer who raises a better animal than his neighbor, is 

 satisfied, when he ought not to be, unless he has done the 

 very best he can, which will never be the case, except in 

 very rare instances, and that by accident, without the use 

 of thorough-bred bulls. There are praiseworthy excep- 

 tions in some of the towns that contribute to our fair. 



Paoli Lathrop of South lladley, the prince of Short- 



